Beers (Off the Beachin’ Path)

Beer Spots Downtown Pensacola FL

When you’re in the mood for a break from the beach – and you have brews on the brain – get yourself an Uber and head to Downtown Pensacola.

Nightlife has come a long way in this quaint and quiet town, where bars, breweries and gastropubs now line the streets. Palafox Street is the main drag – one of America’s Greatest Streets, according to us and the American Planning Association.

Along with hosting several large annual celebrations like the Fourth of July Fireworks and New Year’s Eve Pelican Drop, Downtown Pensacola also hosts monthly events that bring crowds downtown to party.

But even on a nondescript Tuesday, you’re sure to find plenty to do (and drink) downtown.

Here’s a list of our favorite spots to grab a beer in Downtown Pensacola:

Perfect Plain is a local brewery located inside an old industrial-style building. The name pays homage to Rachel Jackson, who wrote to a friend back home and described Pensacola as a “perfect plain.” The taproom is consistently brewing up seasonal suds and hosts plenty of local events. Ever had a beer while doing yoga?

Two guys had a beer together. Then they opened a brewery. Founded in 2010, the Pensacola Bay Brewery infuses a little bit of Florida history into every pint. Popular pours include the Li’l Napoleon IPA, Riptide Amber and Sawgrass Wheat. If you like what you taste here, you’ll find many of your favorites out in restaurants around town.

With 50 craft beers on tap and more than 500 bottles in the cooler, even the most discerning beer drinker is bound to find a favorite here. Hungry? World of Beer now serves tavern fare, like giant soft pretzels, street tacos, flatbreads and more.

Visit the place that’s always counting down to St. Patty’s Day. McGuire’s is an Irish pub that’s big on flavor, big on portions and big on house-brewed beer. Sample the Light Ale, Red Ale, IPA, Porter or Irish Stout. Have a youngin’ in your party? Even the root beer is made right here. Come hungry, because the burgers and steaks and traditional fare will make you green with envy.

The relatively new kid on the block, Gulf Coast Brewery is just behind McGuire’s. Enjoy beer brewed on-site on the large covered porch. If you’ve brought along a wine lover, check out the well-stocked wine lounge. Fancy a smoke? Head inside the walk-in humidor to select a cigar.

Hub’s is a lively spot adjacent to Seville Square, where many of Pensacola’s best festivals take place. Stop in for one of the best sandwiches around, and stay for a beer and a band. Ask about drink specials, and sign up for karaoke.

Draft Magazine named Hops one of the ‘Top 150 Beer Bars.’ With cold beer on tap and hot pizza in the oven, this is one ‘hop-penin’ place to hang. The Downtown location features 112 micro and craft beers that rotate weekly. (They even have PBR on tap.) Hopjacks features a cool lineup of bands, and shows are always free.

Want to try several of these stops and then some? Check out the Pensacola Pedal Trolley, a 100 percent pedal powered and eco-friendly way to enjoy our downtown. The covered trolley has room for 15, and can take you on a pub crawl or historic tour of America’s First Settlement.